Daidō-ji Temple

Overview

Daido-ji is a Soto Zen temple in Ichinomiya-cho, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture, with the mountain name Jingo-zan. Known as the ninth site of the Hida Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage, it is also a temple connected to the Miki clan, a leading family of Hida. Above all, its grounds hold the Garyu-zakura, an ancient cherry tree over 1,100 years old and designated a National Natural Monument. In blossom season it draws crowds from afar, making it a signature sight of Hida-Ichinomiya.

Highlights

• ●The giant Garyu-zakura cherry, over 1,100 years old and a National Natural Monument
• ●An old Soto Zen temple bearing the mountain name Jingo-zan
• ●The pilgrim atmosphere of the ninth Hida Thirty-Three Kannon site
• ●The historical weight of ties to Hida's prominent Miki clan

History

Daido-ji is a Soto Zen temple said to have been founded in 1539 (Tenbun 8), bearing the mountain name Jingo-zan. It is linked to the Miki clan, who held power in Hida during the Warring States period, and it grew under their patronage. As the ninth site of the Hida Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage, it is woven into the pilgrim route, handed down today as a temple where local faith and samurai heritage overlap.

Map

36.0891, 137.2474 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Arrive at Hida-Ichinomiya Station and head to Daido-ji
2. 2Look up at the Garyu-zakura, admiring the 1,100-year-old tree
3. 3Visit the main hall as the ninth Hida Thirty-Three Kannon site
4. 4Extend the trip to Hida Ichinomiya Minashi Shrine before leaving

Did you know?

💡 The Garyu-zakura, whose name evokes a dragon lying upon the ground with its outstretched branches, is an ancient Edohigan cherry more than 1,100 years old. Designated a National Natural Monument, it is celebrated as one of Hida's foremost single cherry trees. Daido-ji's tie to the Miki clan also calls to mind the Warring States history of Hida.

Nearby spots